Shannon Nicole Harding

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shannon Nicole Harding (Carter), age 52, on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at her home in Huntsville, Alabama following a courageous battle with cancer. Shannon passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Born in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada, she was the daughter of Constance Agnes Carter(Estabrooks) and the late George Thomas Carter.

Throughout her life Shannon was known for her fearlessness and willingness to take on any challenge. Growing up as a rough and tumble farm girl in Frosty Hollow, you could find her riding on the top tier of the hay cart or galloping through the fields and trails on her beloved quarter horse Starbuck.

That same audacious spirit saw her drive her little red Ford Tempo across the country to Calgary where she would meet the love of her life and create the beautiful life she had always dreamed of. Shannon and Les spent 26 years finding new adventures, hobbies and friends wherever they traveled. Along with their son Joey, they made their homes in Alberta, Arizona, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Tennessee and Alabama. Shannon had an unparalleled ability to make each house a home. From holidays to movie nights and everything in between, she made the most of every moment, and as long as there was the pitter patter of dog paws she was happy.

Ever the farm girl, she once fostered a sickly calf from a local farm at her house, his prognosis was grim but she nursed him back to health to the surprise of the farmers, a true testament to her kind heart and determined spirit. Shannon applied a "no bad experiences" approach to all animals.

Shannon was a bold and brave woman who faced any challenge in life with uncommon grit and determination. She won Rookie of the Year honours at the Estevan Motor Speedway for Mini- Sprint racing, as well in the Western Elite Stockcar Tour. Not one for staying in her lane she also raced in the NASCAR Canada Series. After years as a hockey Mum she laced up her own skates finding camaraderie at rinks across Canada and the USA, most recently in Huntsville with the Swifties who rallied around Shannon during her cancer journey and provided such meaningful support during difficult times.

Admired for her strong work ethic and dedication in her professional life, she spent a number of years in different roles with Ramboll, SNC Lavalin, and Ritchie Bros.

As a Mother she loved Joey fiercely and was so proud of all of his accomplishments. She was always on Joey’s side and forever will be.

Shannon is survived by her husband Lesley David Harding of Huntsville; her son Joseph Carter Harding, Colorado; her Mother Connie Carter, Sackville; brothers Kelley Carter, Sackville, Thomas “Luke” (Tracy) Carter, Moncton, NB, sister Heidi Carter, Sackville; sister-in-law Shawna (Ray) Lamborn, Texas. Nephews Liam and Cole Carter, Moncton; Jeffrey (Debbie) Lamborn, New Jersey; Colin Lamborn, Texas. Great nephews Thomas and Dylan Lamborn. Several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins as well as many dear friends throughout Canada and the USA. Beloved Akitas at home Athena and Achilles.

Shannon was predeceased by her father George Thomas Carter, Mother-in-law Marilyn Gail Ohlheiser(Carter), Father-in-law David Harding. Grandparents Agnes (Ward) and Joseph Estabrooks, Joyce (White) and Thomas Carter.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Legacy Chapel Funeral Home and Crematory, Madison, Alabama. In keeping with Shannon’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family celebration will be held in the spring in Gulf Shore at one of Shannon’s favorite places.

Our family would like to thank the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre, Breanna, Shannon’s kind palliative care nurse, the lovely Brandy Patton and Charlea Velotta and the team from Enhabit Hospice Care who provided professional and compassionate care. A heartfelt thank you to the Swifties for rallying around Shannon and our family.

Donations in memory of Shannon can be made to research for appendiceal cancer at Appendix Cancer PMP Research Centre acpmp.org or Appendix Cancer Connection appendix-cancer.org or the charity of your choice.

Cardinals - A reminder that love never leaves. Often seen when we need them most, they remind us that those we love are never truly gone. They may change form, but their presence remains in the moments, memories, and little signs around us. ~Anonymous